Ohio State has back to back win since losing to now #1 ranked Oregon Ducks. After a bye week and a 1-point defeat, one would expect the Buckeyes to be firing on all cylinders, especially given that Nebraska had just been throttled by No. 13 Indiana 56-7 the week prior. While they managed to secure a 21-17 victory, it’s not a game the Buckeyes will brag about.
Photo Cred: The Columbus Dispatch
The Buckeyes set the tone on defense from the outset, forcing a quick three-and-out capped by a sack on third down. However, Nebraska responded by stopping Ohio State on a fourth down in Buckeye territory. After exchanging a few punts, Ohio State finally got on the board with Will Howard delivering a 40-yard strike to Carnell Tate, giving the Buckeyes a 7-0 lead. Nebraska quickly responded with a field goal, making it 7-3, but Ohio State extended their lead to 14-3 after a four-play drive that concluded with a 60-yard bomb to Jerimiah Smith, marking his eighth receiving touchdown of the year.
He has scored in every game thus far, tying Chris Carter’s true freshman record for touchdown receptions in a season. Smith has consistently solidified himself as the WR1 in this talented receiving corps. The momentum seemed to shift in the Buckeyes’ favor after forcing another three-and-out, but a missed field goal gave Nebraska a good field position with two minutes left in the first half. The Cornhuskers marched down the field and capped off the drive with a long 54-yard field goal, ending the half at 14-6.
Offensive struggles plagued the Buckeyes in the second half, as they recorded four three-and-outs and a turnover. While the defense played well, they struggled to get off the field on third downs, allowing Nebraska to extend key scoring drives. The Cornhuskers added a field goal in the third quarter, followed by a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter, taking the lead at 17-14.
Photo Cred: SI
Columbus was shocked, as this game was not expected to be close. Yet, the Buckeyes still had time to reclaim the lead. They executed an eight-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard pass to Quinshon Judkins. This marked Howard’s third touchdown pass of the day and gave the Buckeyes a 21-17 lead. After exchanging punts, Nebraska had the ball with 3:36 left on the clock and a chance to retake the lead. However, the Buckeyes made a stand, forcing an interception and ending Nebraska’s upset bid.
While a win is a win, the Buckeyes have areas to improve as they prepare to travel to Happy Valley to face No. 3 Penn State in a matchup with significant playoff implications. Although the passing game was efficient—Howard completed 13 of 16 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns—the running game held the offense back. With two of the best running backs in the country, they could only combine for twenty carries and 54 yards. The Buckeyes lost starting left tackle Josh Simmons in their loss to Oregon, and backup Zen Michalski did not perform well.
Photo Cred: SI
The entire offensive line struggled, but they improved against the elite defense in Happy Valley. Penn State’s recent loss to Ohio State felt like a case of déjà vu for Nittany Lions fans, serving as a stark reminder of past seasons filled with promising hopes and bitter disappointments. In yet another closely contested battle, the game showcased the relentless spirit and competitive drive of the Nittany Lions, but ultimately ended in heartbreak against a top-ranked opponent. This defeat starkly highlighted the recurring theme for Penn State fans: every year seems to bring renewed optimism, a belief that “this could be the year” when the team finally breaks through.
